1. Southern Lights

The Kentucky Horse Park hosts this event every year- get your family or friends together and drive through this magnificent light show. There is also an exotic petting zoo with an addition of Santa’s Reindeer. It will be open every night except Dec. 24-31.

2. Christmas movie marathon with friends

Just a few suggestions: Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer, The Santa Claus, Home Alone, The Christmas Card (my very favorite), How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, It’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle On 34th Street

3. Volunteer at a food bank

This is a great time of year to volunteer and give back to the community. You could help with Thanksgiving meals or Christmas dinners. There are plenty of local opportunities to volunteer. The Salvation Army and God’s Pantry always need volunteers during this season. Another thing to do is make Christmas cards for soldiers overseas.

4. Christmas lights

The firemen always put on a fabulous light show at Fire Station 20 off of Harrodsburg Road. Bring your family or that special someone, turn on the radio to the set station and enjoy the light show. The show runs from 6-11 pm daily until Christmas.

5. Ice skating

The Ice Rink downtown in Triangle Park is the perfect place to go with friends or on a date. It’s open from Nov. 8- early Jan. The Ice Rink is open from Monday-Friday from 4-9 pm and Saturday 10-10 and Sunday 1:30-9 pm. It costs $10 per 90 minutes.

6. Nutcracker Ballet

The Lexington Ballet puts on the Nutcracker Ballet every year at the Opera House. It’s definitely worth checking out. It is put on Dec. 14-22 and ticket prices vary from $16-32.

7. Winter crafts

Make Christmas ornaments – they make great Christmas presents. Check Pinterest for ideas – decorate Christmas cards, paper snowflakes and pine cone place cards, cotton ball snowmen, paint Christmas mugs (they make an excellent gift). Also you can decorate ginger bread houses and Christmas cookies.

8. Make a music video using Christmas carols

This is a fun thing to do with friends and you can be really creative. Put it on YouTube – you could become a star. One idea is to make a mash up rap or remix of popular Christmas carols like “Jingle Bells”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, etc.